Samana - Culture

Considered by many Dominicans and visitors alike to be the prettiest part of the Dominican Republic, the Samana Peninsula is a naturalist's delight! Unspoiled white-sandy beaches, coconut-covered mountains, clear mountain streams winding through lush, tropical rain forests, vibrant coral reefs, internationally known whale-watching and many other attractions - a vacation of adventure is awaiting your discovery. "You may leave Samana, but Samana will never leave you".

The soft white beaches, limpid turquoise waters, swaying palms, tranquil villages and warm weather year-round of the Samaná Peninsula, only one hour from Puerto Plata, have made this area one of the most sought-after tourist destinations of the island. A relaxed atmosphere permeates both the northern and southern coasts of this quiet peninsula of 15 miles of completely unspoiled white sand beaches lined with coconut palms, shallow waters. Hotels have all the conveniences and water sports facilities associated to the Amber Coast.

Along the Samana peninsula, tropical vegetation surrounds a turquoise bay, dotted with tiny islets. The last of these is the jewel-like Cayo Levantado and a trip there by boat makes a wonderful one-day excursion. Las Galeras and Playa Rincσn are dream beaches both close to the city of Samana. Like these, innumerable smaller sandy coves await discovery along the way. Much of the Samana Peninsula remains wild and scantily populated. Hardy visitors can penetrate unexplored patches of tropical jungle, and bathe in bubbling, unpolluted rivers.

Only a short boat ride from the coast of Samana lays Los Haitises National Park, a marvellous sanctuary for nature lovers and those interested in natural history. The underground rivers flow through caves replete with pre-Columbian petroglyphs, silent testimony to the Indian population who dwelled there peacefully for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. "Elupina I" is the name of the 300-passenger ferry that is scheduled to make the crossing from Samana de la Mar, making it possible for adventurous Punta Cana and La Romana tourists to see Samana. 

One of the most beautiful tours in Dominican Republic is the Visit to the Sanctuary of Humpback Wales in Samana, Dominican Republic. Samana's whales are well known. Each year 3 to 5 thousand humpback whales return to Bahia de Samana and adjacent waters to give birth and mate for the following year. From January until March, frolicsome males can be observed vying for the attentions of demure females. Sky-rocketing, standing on their tails (and heads, too!), flippering, tailing; all sorts of antics may be observed under carefully controlled conditions aboard excursion boats staffed by knowledgeable personnel. Excursions leave from Samana Harbour and several other points along the north shore of the bay. Samana's whales are truly an international treasure and are fully protected by the Dominican government. For Dominicans it is a big business. Ninety percent of their yearly income will be generated during the whale season.